The Advantages of Online Teaming

by Kathryn Hatter, Demand Media

Building a professional team may be simpler and more effective online.

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Small business owners have a wealth of technology available for operating and growing a company. For instance, through the use of electronic communication, you might even build a team of professionals who can collaborate in a non-conventional way. Online teaming involves a group of employees who work together using telecommunication, according to the authors of "Virtual Team Success." Explore the advantages of online teaming to see whether this form of telecommunication fits your business.

Eliminate Travel

When you build a virtual team, the people you select for the team do not have any travel requirements to participate in team meetings. You can effectively cherry-pick team members from around the world to create a team of the most innovative and talented professionals. Removing the barriers of location and travel may enable you to build a higher quality team of people on the cutting edge of technology, according to the authors of "The Handbook of High-Performance Virtual Teams."

Cut Expenses

When your team meets electronically, this removes the need for a meeting place. This may reduce company overhead, eliminating the need for office space and electronic equipment for the company. The only requirements are the electronics necessary to connect each team member. Because the team members would already own their own computer equipment and have access to the Internet in most situations, this should not be an expense that falls on the business owner.

Increase Productivity

With the convenience of technology, online teams often have the ability to meet more frequently. Meetings that are more frequent can increase the quality of the work produced, according to Debbie Dufrene, author of "Communication Strategies for Virtual Teams." Online teams also have the flexibility to schedule meeting times that may not necessarily fit traditional work times, which can also increase the quality and quantity of work produced.

Increase Employee Satisfaction

When team members are part of online professional teams, they may experience increased job satisfaction and higher work output, write the authors of "The Handbook of High-Performance Virtual Teams." As a result of the adjustment of standard parameters with regard to work hours and teamwork, team members often show increased creativity, energy and resourcefulness. In addition, employees who enjoy flexible work hours and telecommuting are often happier in their jobs, according to Dufrene. When employees are more satisfied with work conditions and projects, they often perform at a higher level.

Create Team Diversity

Online teams enable the building of a group that consists of a wider variety of people. Virtual teams may include people with disabilities who could not otherwise participate easily in the workforce. Virtual teams can also consist of people, such as caregivers and parents of young children, who have limitations that make it challenging to function from a conventional office place.

About the Author

Kathryn Hatter is a veteran home-school educator, as well as an accomplished gardener, quilter, crocheter, cook, decorator and digital graphics creator. As a regular contributor to Natural News, many of Hatter's Internet publications focus on natural health and parenting. Hatter has also had publication on home improvement websites such as Redbeacon.

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